Starter fertilizer

Why a starter feed

Seedlings spend their first weeks building roots. Phosphorus, the P in NPK, is the nutrient that drives that, and many soils hold too little of it in a form young roots can reach. A starter fertilizer such as NPK 10-25-10 is high in phosphorus and moderate in nitrogen, so it builds roots without pushing soft, leafy growth.

How much and when

Spread 25 g/m², about 5 lb per 1,000 sq ft, on the leveled bed just before sowing, or at sowing time. Rake it lightly into the top few centimeters. Follow your product's label if its rate differs.

How

• Use a spreader and split the amount into two passes at right angles.
• Do not apply a high-nitrogen lawn feed instead. It scorches seedlings and feeds weeds.
• If a soil test showed plenty of phosphorus, a balanced starter or a lower rate is enough; some regions restrict phosphorus use, so check local rules.

What comes next

Roll lightly so the bed is firm, then sow the seed. The next feed comes once the new lawn has been mown a few times.